"There are quite a few cases where people are simply trying to make contact with friends and relatives just to touch base with them, but by now a lot of people have made contact.

"So it's really the ones where we have the gravest concerns in that there's been absolutely no contact."

Tasmania Police are asking people affected by the fires to register their details by calling 1800 727 077 to assist those looking for loved ones.

More than 1,000 people were evacuated by boat from the Tasman Peninsula to Hobart overnight with the Hobart City Hall being used as an evacuation centre.

Police say between 1,500-2,000 people are trapped on the Tasman Peninsula as roads to the area remain cut.

The peninsula is also without power, with about 300 power poles destroyed by bushfires and it will be at least a week before power is restored.

There are still about 300 people taking refuge from the bushfires at the Port Arthur Historic site.

The site's marketing manager Andrew Ross says it's unclear when they will leave.

"They're trying to coordinate efforts to get them obviously off the Tasman Peninsula, or at least those wishing to get off the Tasman Peninsula, via the boats from Nubeena, so we have one of our senior staff over there at the moment trying to help coordinate that."

Smoke hazard

Heath authorities are warning of heavy smoke and haze in southern Tasmania because of the fires, which could cause problems for people with respiratory problems.

Smoke is expected to be visible in the area for several days.

Cathy Beswick from the Asthma Foundation told ABC News people with respiratory problems should stay indoors if they experience any breathing difficulties.

"The most important thing for people who've had recent asthma symptoms, asthma in the last year, or maybe even in the past, should always have their blue reliever medication with them at all times."

Thoughts turn to help

While the final cost of the fires is far from known yet, communities, organisations and government are setting up to help those who need it.

The Acting Premier, Bryan Green, announced details of the State Government's initial assistance available to those affected by the bushfires.

"This is a very harrowing time for many Tasmanians and our communities have more challenges to face in the weeks and months to come," Mr Green says.

"We have seen how ready the people of Tasmania are to help, whether they are wearing a uniform or not.

"As well as the assistance the communities themselves are offering, the State Government can provide financial help to those people who need it."

The Tasmanian Government will have a number of grants will be available, with immediate cash grants for adults and children and families, temporary living grants to assist with living expenses, essential household goods grants as well as repair/replacement grants to assist with the reestablishment of the principal place of residence.

With the exception of the immediate cash assistance, the grants will be needs tested based on income, assets, age, residential and insurance status in line with eligibility for the Private Rental Assistance Scheme.

More information about the grants is available at www.dpac.tas.gov.au/bushfires. To register interest, Tasmanians can call 1800 808 340 from 9am Monday 7 January.

"These grants are in addition to the support the Commonwealth is offering those affected by the fires," Mr Green says.

"I expect that the costs for these grants will be shared by the Commonwealth and the State under existing national arrangements and I thank the Australian Government for its ongoing support."

Attorney-General Nicola Roxon, says those looking for Federal Government assistance should head to Centrelink for information on emergency assistance available.

The Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, will tour the fire ravaged town of Dunalley in Tasmania's south-east on Monday.

News of the shattered communities in Tasmania has travelled overseas, with the Queen sending a message to those affected by the fires.

Her Majesty has expressed deep concern and sent her sympathies to those people who have lost their homes or livelihoods.

She has also offered support and admiration for the firefighters, volunteers and emergency services officers.